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Backgroud <p>Transforming low-value agricultural byproducts into high-value animal feed, holds significant potential for advancing circular food systems. In this study, we aim to explore the effect of co-ensiling canola straw with alfalfa on feed quality and animal performance, supporting efficient recycling and utilization of canola straw.</p> Results <p>This study pioneers the investigation of co-ensiling canola straw with alfalfa to produce high-quality feed, while also examining the effects of feeding mixed silage on performance and ruminal fermentation characteristics of Hulunbuir sheep. For mixed silage, canola straw and alfalfa were mixed (1:2 DM ratio), while alfalfa silage used wilted alfalfa (42% DM). Both silages received 1% molasses and compound LAB inoculant (containing <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> and <i>Pediococcus pentosaceus</i>). For feeding trial, eighteen Hulunbuir sheep (21.96 ± 1.94&#xa0;kg) were divided into two dietary groups: control-diet (50% canola straw and alfalfa silage + 50% concentrate) and mixed-diet (50% canola straw and alfalfa mixed silage + 50% concentrate). Co-ensiling canola straw with alfalfa effectively disrupted surface structure of canola straw, primarily due to dominance of <i>Lactiplantibacillus</i> (&gt; 55%). Sheep fed mixed-diet showed significantly higher dry matter intake (975.35&#xa0;g/d), crude protein intake (152.26&#xa0;g/d), and gross energy intake (15.62&#xa0;kJ/g), along with improved neutral detergent fiber digestibility (42.48%) and greater average daily gain (124&#xa0;g/d) than those on control-diet (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05). Serum biochemical analysis revealed an increase in alkaline phosphatase levels in sheep receiving the mixed-diet (212.22 U/L) than control-fed sheep (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05). Additionally, sheep fed mixed-diet exhibited a higher ruminal propionate molar percentage (16.60%) and lower molar percentages of butyrate (12.40%) and valerate (1.10%) than control-fed sheep (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05).</p> Conclusion <p>Co-ensiling canola straw with alfalfa enhances feed quality via <i>Lactiplantibacillus</i> dominance, improving sheep’s intake and growth, and affecting ruminal fermentation.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Bio-processing of canola straw into animal feed by co-ensiling with alfalfa for sustainable feed and agricultural systems

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月29日

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  • Tianwei Wang,
  • Xiumin Zhang,
  • Muhammad Tahir,
  • Kunling Teng,
  • Min Zhang,
  • Yanzi Xiao,
  • Lin Sun,
  • Zhijie Bai,
  • Min Wang,
  • Jin Zhong

摘要

Backgroud

Transforming low-value agricultural byproducts into high-value animal feed, holds significant potential for advancing circular food systems. In this study, we aim to explore the effect of co-ensiling canola straw with alfalfa on feed quality and animal performance, supporting efficient recycling and utilization of canola straw.

Results

This study pioneers the investigation of co-ensiling canola straw with alfalfa to produce high-quality feed, while also examining the effects of feeding mixed silage on performance and ruminal fermentation characteristics of Hulunbuir sheep. For mixed silage, canola straw and alfalfa were mixed (1:2 DM ratio), while alfalfa silage used wilted alfalfa (42% DM). Both silages received 1% molasses and compound LAB inoculant (containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus). For feeding trial, eighteen Hulunbuir sheep (21.96 ± 1.94 kg) were divided into two dietary groups: control-diet (50% canola straw and alfalfa silage + 50% concentrate) and mixed-diet (50% canola straw and alfalfa mixed silage + 50% concentrate). Co-ensiling canola straw with alfalfa effectively disrupted surface structure of canola straw, primarily due to dominance of Lactiplantibacillus (> 55%). Sheep fed mixed-diet showed significantly higher dry matter intake (975.35 g/d), crude protein intake (152.26 g/d), and gross energy intake (15.62 kJ/g), along with improved neutral detergent fiber digestibility (42.48%) and greater average daily gain (124 g/d) than those on control-diet (P < 0.05). Serum biochemical analysis revealed an increase in alkaline phosphatase levels in sheep receiving the mixed-diet (212.22 U/L) than control-fed sheep (P < 0.05). Additionally, sheep fed mixed-diet exhibited a higher ruminal propionate molar percentage (16.60%) and lower molar percentages of butyrate (12.40%) and valerate (1.10%) than control-fed sheep (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Co-ensiling canola straw with alfalfa enhances feed quality via Lactiplantibacillus dominance, improving sheep’s intake and growth, and affecting ruminal fermentation.

Graphical abstract